The opening sequence reveals 20 minutes of carnage and ultimate destruction. Blood spattered cameras, unsaturated film tones and some nauseating hand held camerawork give a stunning unparalleled view of war as hell and creates a roller coaster ride of emotion from the very beginning. Sentimental perhaps, but in no way is this film, and indeed the opening, one for all the family. Deeply disturbing scenes like a man lying dis-entrailed, crying for his mother, soldiers burning to death and body parts flying all add to the sense of brutal carnage.
The dextrous use of point of view shots allows audiences to truly experience the Normandy day landings. As soldiers pile out of the boats we find ourselves bobbing up and down in the sea, struggling to stay above water level as equipment is so heavy, some men don’t even make it to the beach. Tangible sound effects also build on the compelling realism. Sound is muffled as we go underwater but there is the constant dirge of rattling gunfire and explosives through out the whole battle scene. The only time this is set apart is when the cameras zoom onto captain Miller (Tom Hanks). Spielberg uses his gradual close up onto the eyes and sound is dulled. This effect can show how Miller’s ears are suffering from the loud bombs exploding all around him, but it also allows a moment of rest and reflection on the severity of the situation.
The gallant company has to rescue the stubborn private James Ryan and send him back home to his mother in Iowa. The American army believe they would get a bad reputation if they sent home one more letter to Mrs. Ryan informing her of the death of yet another of her sons. So Private Ryan must be removed from combat. Unlike so many men at the front line, Ryan is stoic and does not want to go home. He feels an obligation to his comrades and to his country.
While the troops face their insurmountable odds of survival, true stereotypes shine through. A stalwart Tom Hanks plays Captain Miller, a soldier's soldier, who takes a small group of clichéd “Yankee” characters on the PR mission. Even in the carnage of the opening scenes we get clear views of who the important characters are with slow zooms into their eyes as they await the devastation of the landing.
The focus on American soldiers shown in the film could have potentially have been a turn off for British audiences but the outshining quality of the film means this can be for the most part, overlooked. From the very start we see images of the American flag, which convey the strong emotions of pride associated with war films. This scene at the war graves in France provides a curiosity through out the film and also quite an inventive transition from present to the past. Another emotional slow zoom into what we learn are Private Ryan’s eyes is just one of the reasons this is a must see film. Saving Private Ryan is a brilliant piece of cinematography and a worthy dedication.
